Sci-Fi FPS

In case anyone's been wondering what I've been spending most of my time on, I've been blocking out the campaign levels:

 

<sarcasm> CAMPAIGN? When did this become something other than a mindless shoot'em up? </sarcasm>

But seriously, what did I miss?

In any case, I am glad that this will at least have (hopefully) a story to it!

To me, the image effects, particularly the motion blur, are rather over-the-top. I would suggest having an option to toggle off the image effects, probably separately.

I love the rocket rounds on the Dragon Assault Rifle, so kudos to you!

 

A campaign has always been the original goal; the problem is I could never make satisfactory levels. So, I made a spawning script so I could release demos that had some semblance to an actual game (If you go digging in this thread, you'll find some old (short) linear level demos lying around). But, I've found a workflow I like, so now it's just a case of pumping out art assets and snapping them together. (We already have a script written up and some of the dialogue recorded).

As for the image effects, I definitely plan on adding the option, but I've been focusing on other aspects of the game for the last little while.

 

how to add glowing effect to the guns?

 

Use an emmisive material for the glowing areas.

 

Worked on optimizing the new AI, managed to massively improve pathfinding times!

 

Sounds great!

 

So... You think 10000 fps is enough?

 

I dunno... Could you push it to 100000 FPS?

But in all seriousness, I am loving this game... Can't wait to play it when it gets done!

 

I made a fun little video to commemorate my 200th Youtube subscriber

<Video not currently available>

 

Been working on texturing modelling the final state of the first level. Not even close to being done, lol.


Also, here's a few gameplay pictures I took after rigging Unity to take screenshots whenever I dodged:

 

Decided to work on turning the navigation grid into a navmesh of sorts, by simply dividing the graph into square "cells." Hopefully, this will further accelerate the pathfinding speed.

 

Logically, it should come with an increase in performance, given as it is now calculating a few variable size rectangles, instead of hundreds to thousands of small cells.

Aesthetically, it also looks better. I wonder, if you would also be able to use the navmesh data in a custom OC system, possibly killing 2 birds in one shot?

 

Yeah, the idea is to calculate the main path via this system, and then use the tiny cells to plot around dynamic obstacles. Although, I fail to see a need for custom OC, as Unity Pro has it built in, and I don't think anyone will be building custom maps bug enough to require it. (That changes if I make this an asset store asset, though.)

I also managed to chop off over 10% of the navmesh generation time just by switching one variable from Javascript arrays to Lists (~0.74(s) to ~0.61(s) on my 2.4 ghz i7).

EDIT:
Converted all my javascript arrays in the navmesh generation to lists, and the generation time is at ~0.42(s)! That's a 43% performance boost! Note to self: never, EVER use javascript arrays!

 

We're looking for an environmental artist to help us out with the campaign. More details here:

 

Beautiful, truly beautiful looking game!

 

Thanks.

 

I've completely overhauled the path finding system. It was tricky, and there's still some problems (the heuristics aren't perfect yet, resulting in longer paths at times), but it has resulted in the elimination of the 1-4ms "spikes" whenever there was a pathfinding call. Now, I can't even tell when or even IF there was a pathfinding call by looking at the profiler.

 

Looking good! I was wondering what you were doing in your "absence"...

 

Thanks.

More info on the AI here : http://forum.unity3d.com/threads/209205-Planned-Asset-Store-Pack-First-Person-Shooter-AI-Kit (I rewrote the pathfinding algorithm again.) I also found a key advantage of my pathfinding over Unity's built-in system.

I'll keep the minor AI updates in there (with the exception of big stuff, like actually implementing it into the game), and the other stuff in here.

I've also changed the effect when the player is hit. It's not much, but it's better than just flashing the screen red.

 

Looking much better! Definitely going to make it easier to play!

 

I like your style squared55.
You keep on going, alone, no matter the difficulties. This is something to applaud since I know how hard is to motivate yourself to carry on alone, with no one to encourage you or to give you close feedback.

Did you work alone on the programming and art? Or you contracted certain parts?

 

I like this post.

I did the programming, but I bought most of the environmental assets, had someone else create the characters and animate the weapons, and have a composer currently creating the create the soundtrack, some of which can be heard in the background of the video updates. I took all those assets and put them together with nice lighting.

 

Very impressive feels responsive and exciting like any great fps should

 

Thank you.

 

I've taken a break from the AI to work on level design:

 

very nice graphic is definetely getting better and better

 

Thanks.

Here's some updated pictures:

 

Looking really nice. Eventually, you may want varied "tile sets". This is if your game will take place in different areas and buildings.

 

Thanks.

Video Update #24!

 

More level design!

 

What should mean the title, PARAGON EVOLVED?

 

<Game name has been changed>

 

Mhhhhh just want to be constructive and my opinion is that the title you chosen is not very attractive.

I don't know if you are english native language, I am not.
But for what I know, the word paragon is mostly used when you compare something to something else.
To my ears, the title doesn't make much sense.

You probably would find PARADIGM more fit for your meaning.
Based on this you could name the game PARADIGM EVO or something similar.

I don't want to change your title, just trying to help.
I was thinking to this since the first time I opened this thread, post 1, and only now exposing it to you.

 

That's kind of the point.
Again, it will make more sense once you play through the story.

It's worth noting that the game was originally called Paragon, but I added Evolved on the end as there were a number of games already called Paragon.

Still, a name is just a name, and it would do more harm than good to change it now, even if I wanted to.

 

Just wanted to say, I'm absolutely digging the 80's style neon lazers!

 

Honestly, if you did a cool multi-player with good replay ability, I would buy it. That's why games like counter-strike are so fun. You unlock items based on your skill.

 

Thanks.

Let's get the SP done first before considering multiplayer.

Anyways, I updated the invisibility shader. It looks way better in motion, but here's a pic anyways:

 

Hello, I just played the second alpha demo. It was good and I'm definitely seeing potential. I would say my biggest issue with it was the walking. It felt like I was sliding instead of walking but other then that keep up the great work. I'm interested to see where this project may go.

 

Wow!! I REALLY like the scenario!! Good Work!!

 

Woah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've come very far man! Respect!

 

Looking AWESOME! The invisibility shader is really cool... Might I ask, where you acquired it? Or did you write it yourself? Also, is there any chance you might release it?

 

Geeze!

Last time I looked at this thread, I was making suggestions to revamp the models, and wow.

This just looks fantastic on an AAA grade, first thing I thought of when I watched the new video : Halo (not in a bad you copied way).

Keep it up

 

Wow, thanks guys!

It's just the heat distortion shader from the Detonator Pack (which also powers the game's explosions) : https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/#/content/1.

But, it's Pro-only.

I have improved the gun movement since the last demo. With that said, I definitely agree with you, but I thought the trade off was worth it in order to keep up the pace of the game - I want it to be just as easy to aim while moving as standing still.

 

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Voted for Greenlight. Good luck with the Greenlight campaign.

 

Same to both points!

 

Thanks, guys!

 

You are most welcome!

 

Excuse me sir! I think you have something on your shield!

Here, let me take it off.